The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THE football community yesterday turned up in numbers to pay their last respects to Zifa match commissioner Michael Phiri at West Park Cemetery.
Phiri, who passed away on Wednesday, was 56. Several speakers paid tribute to Phiri for his work ethic and dedication to the game. Fellow match commissioner Hopewell Sidube said Phiri’s death was a great loss to the refereeing community as he had played a great role in nurturing future match officials.
Sidube said Phiri joined them in 1992 and because of his dedication and leadership skills he quickly rose through the ranks and assumed the position of provincial chairman in the now abolished referees set up.
“This is a great loss to the profession because he was dedicated, astute and excelled both on the field, as a commissioner and as an instructor.
“He turned to being a match commissioner in 2002 due to fitness issues but continued with his dedication towards match officiating,” he said.
Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda praised Phiri’s abilities saying had there been a heroes’ acre for football, Phiri would undoubtedly have been buried there. He urged other referees to emulate Phiri’s upright nature and brilliance with the whistle.
“Phiri showed passion for the profession and grasped refereeing, showing he knew what he was doing both as a match commissioner and in the field. I urge you to emulate him and continue with his good work,” he said.
Highlanders’ goalkeepers coach Cosmas Zulu implored fans to respect referees and demand answers from their coaches instead of blaming the match officials.
He said he worked with Phiri in various situations including the Christian Soccer League where Phiri was the head of the disciplinary committee.
“Supporters blame match officials when their teams lose but that is wrong, they should point at the coaches. Do they want the referees to score for them? I have never blamed them and won’t do it.
“Please, if there are any Highlanders fans here please stop this practice of blaming referees and throwing missiles,” said Zulu adding that Phiri’s Christian values, intelligence and willingness to learn even in old age made him an outstanding official.
Among other football personalities who attended the burial were Zifa Bulawayo Province chairman Francis Ntuta, board member J Mutero, Zifa honourary member Cecilia Malunga, former Zimbabwe Women Football vice-chairman Elizabeth Langa, referees Cosmas Nyoni, Edson Nkau and a huge number of referees.
Phiri is survived by his wife and four children.
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